HB289 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Economic development professional, exempt from definition of lobbiyist in certain circumstances, Sec. 36-25-1.3 added.

Summary

HB 289 creates a rule that economic development professionals are not lobbyists unless they seek incentives through the Legislature beyond what is currently allowed.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new section to Alabama law establishing that an economic development professional is not considered a lobbyist unless they pursue incentives in the Legislature that go beyond current authorization. It defines who counts as an economic development professional and who is covered by this exemption (people working to promote economic development or trade for businesses, chambers, or related organizations, in Alabama or for local government entities). It also clarifies that elected officials, legislators, and former legislators within two years of leaving office are not included in the exemption, and it does not apply to people who are already required to register as lobbyists. The change takes effect immediately after the governor signs the bill.

Who It Affects

• Economic development professionals and the organizations they work for (businesses, chambers of commerce, cities, counties, or other government entities) who would be exempt from lobbyist status unless they seek incentives beyond what is authorized.
• Elected officials, legislators, and former legislators within two years of leaving office, who are not covered by the exemption and remain subject to standard lobbying rules.

Key Provisions

• Creates Section 36-25-1.3 clarifying that economic development professionals are not lobbyists unless they seek incentives through the Legislature beyond current authorization.
• Defines economic development professional as someone advancing good-faith economic development or trade promotion projects for a business, chamber of commerce, or similar nonprofit organization, or for a city, county, or government entity.
• Specifies that elected officials, legislators, and former legislators within two years of term end are not included in this exemption.
• States the exemption does not apply to persons who are otherwise required to register as lobbyists.
• Effective immediately upon the governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Economic Development